Mounting clip

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a mounting clip that facilitates easy installation and removal of protective shields for PTVs and other video display units. The clip preferably comprises a base and an elongate locking arm extending generally orthogonally there from. The base is pivotally coupled at an end opposite the locking arm through a flexible coupling to a screen frame. The screen frame and clip are preferably integrally formed from PVC or other durable yet resilient material with the same, yet thinner, material coupling the base to the screen frame. A locking mechanism releasably locks the clip to the screen frame. In operation, the clip is rotated in a clockwise direction and the latch is snapped into the socket to secure a shield in place. The clip is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to unlock the clip and remove the shield.

1 . A display unit comprising 
 a screen frame,    a mounting clip, and    a flexible coupling connecting the mounting clip to the screen frame.    
     
     
         2 . The display unit of  claim 1  wherein the screen frame, mounting clip and flexible coupling are integrally formed.  
     
     
         3 . The display unit of  claim 2  wherein the screen frame, mounting clip and flexible coupling are injection molded.  
     
     
         4 . The display unit of  claim 3  wherein the screen frame, mounting clip and flexible coupling are formed of PVC.  
     
     
         5 . The display unit of  claim 4  wherein the clip is L-shaped.  
     
     
         6 . The display unit of  claim 5  wherein the clip includes a base and a locking arm extending orthogonally there from.  
     
     
         7 . The display unit of  claim 1  wherein the clip is movable between a locked and unlocked position.  
     
     
         8 . The display unit of  claim 1  further comprising a locking mechanism releasably locking the clip in a locked position.  
     
     
         9 . The display unit of  claim 8  wherein the locking mechanism comprises a socket and a latch releasably coupleable to the socket.  
     
     
         10 . The display unit of  claim 7  further comprising a stop formed on the screen frame to prevent the clip from rotating beyond a locked position.  
     
     
         11 . A screen frame comprising 
 a body, and    a mounting clip flexibly coupled to the body.    
     
     
         12 . The screen frame of  claim 11  wherein the body and mounting clip are integrally formed.  
     
     
         13 . The screen frame of  claim 12  wherein the body and mounting clip are injection molded.  
     
     
         14 . The screen frame of  claim 13  wherein the body and mounting clip are formed of PVC.  
     
     
         15 . The screen frame of  claim 14  wherein the clip is L-shaped.  
     
     
         16 . The screen frame of  claim 15  wherein the clip includes a base, a locking arm extending orthogonally there from and a coupling member connecting the base of the clip to the body.  
     
     
         17 . The screen frame of  claim 11  wherein the clip is movable between a locked and unlocked position.  
     
     
         18 . The screen frame of  claim 11  further comprising a locking mechanism releasably coupling the clip to the body.  
     
     
         19 . The screen frame of  claim 18  wherein the locking mechanism comprises a socket and a latch releasably coupleable to the socket.  
     
     
         20 . The screen frame of  claim 17  further comprising a stop formed on the body to prevent the clip from rotating beyond a locked position.